Recs for a Short 4-5 day Trip to Island from DC

[Anonymous]

Hello - We are looking to take a short 4-5 day trip in July to an island that is ideally: (1) a quick and direct flight from DC; and (2) as similar to Hawaii/Maui as you can get. We have been to St. Lucia before and really liked it (but too far for what we are thinking right now). We have also been to the Dominican Republic and hated it. DH said that Nassau is a short flight but my research into Nassau is underwhelming (i.e., we do not want an Atlantis-type experience). Our two teenagers will be coming with us. Would like a place with natural beauty, good food, etc. I would appreciate any and all suggestions.

[Anonymous]

Bermuda. Nonstop flight from DCA. Enough to do for just a few days.

[Anonymous]

Turks, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica all have direct flights

[Anonymous]

Bermuda

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bermuda. Nonstop flight from DCA. Enough to do for just a few days.

I haven't been, but in July this seems like a great idea.

[Anonymous]

I was just in Nassau and didn’t love it. It’s a big party vibe. That may or may not be your thing.

[Anonymous]

Puerto Rico

[Anonymous]

Grand Cayman

[Anonymous]

I would just go to Sea Island, Georgia, or Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Both are top notch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Grand Cayman

+1

[Anonymous]

Bahamas

[Anonymous]

Maybe the ocean club in the Bahamas.

[Anonymous]

Just do Bermuda. It’s nothing like Hawaii in terms of the culture, but is beautiful, charming, warm and has beaches.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico. The rain forest is awesome.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the options! Based on flights, it looks like Bermuda or Puerto Rico are in the running. Any thoughts on which of these two would be better? Any hotel recommendations or what parts of the island to stay in? I almost want to hand this over to a travel agent because I am having trouble making a decision.

If its helpful, our whole family loves Maui. I know it is basic/touristy, but we like that it is stunningly beautiful, safe, has terrific food, a friendly vibe, and there is a good mix activities all around the island. We can relax on the beach, go for a hike, etc. The only drawback is the distance from the east coast.

We generally have not enjoyed sprawling all-inclusive resorts in economically depressed regions/islands where you are limited to resort activities/bad resort food, beaches where huge chunks of seaweed litter the beach, etc. We did not, for example, like Cabo San Lucas, Mexico or the Dominican Republic. We attended destination weddings at all-inclusive resorts in these areas and would never return.